The atmosphere at the Zabzugu District Assembly Main Hall on Monday, 6th October 2025 was filled with excitement, gratitude, and renewed hope as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Umar, presented GH₵200,000 in educational support to 130 brilliant but needy students from across the constituency.
The initiative, which forms part of the MP’s continuous commitment to promoting education and human development, aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, helping them pursue their academic dreams with focus and determination.
The well-attended ceremony brought together key political and community figures, including the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. George Lakoba Tanei, Constituency Chairman, Alhaji Alidu Bawah, Constituency Organizer, Mr. Abdul-Raman Zakaria, the Constituency Youth Organizer, popularly known as “The Youth Commander” Mr. Imoro Toyibu, as well as other constituency executives, parents, and the beneficiary students.
In his address, Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Umar reaffirmed his belief that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming communities. “Education is our greatest equalizer,” he declared. “It gives our children the confidence and knowledge to change their lives and the destiny of Zabzugu. My commitment is to ensure that no child is left behind because of financial hardship.”
The MP noted that this year’s disbursement was carefully designed to reach students at various stages of education, including tertiary and professional institutions. He emphasized that the gesture was not a one-off intervention but part of a broader strategy to build human capital for the constituency.
“We are investing in the future. Every cedi spent on education is a cedi spent on the development of Zabzugu,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Turning his attention to youth behavior and community well-being, Hon. Alhaji Umar cautioned the youth to steer clear of drug abuse, describing it as a growing social concern that can derail the dreams of promising young people. “Stay away from drugs,” he warned. “They destroy lives, families, and futures. We need a generation that is strong, focused, and determined to build a better Zabzugu.”
In what many described as a groundbreaking move, the MP also announced plans to establish a special educational fund specifically for students who gain admission into medical schools. “From the moment they begin their medical training to the time they graduate, their tuition and related costs will be fully covered,” he revealed. “We want to produce doctors who will one day return to serve our people here in Zabzugu and beyond.”
Speaking at the event, Hon. George Lakoba Tanei, the DCE for Zabzugu, commended the MP for his consistent efforts in prioritizing education. He described the initiative as a “shining example of leadership that puts people first.”
“The MP’s initiative complements the government’s educational agenda,” the DCE said. “When leaders collaborate like this, our communities benefit the most.”
Alhaji Alidu Bawah, the Constituency Chairman, also praised the MP for his continuous support for the youth, urging the beneficiaries to justify the investment by remaining disciplined and focused. “Your success will be the MP’s greatest reward,” he told the students.
Some of the beneficiaries and parents who spoke to Zaa Multimedia News expressed deep appreciation for the gesture. “This support has lifted a huge burden off our family,” said Atta Sumani Ayuba, a second-year nursing student. “It will allow me to concentrate on my studies without worrying about school fees.” Parents also described the MP’s intervention as timely, especially in the face of rising educational costs.
This latest intervention adds to a growing list of educational initiatives spearheaded by Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Umar during his first term as MP for Zabzugu between 2017 and 2020. Over that period, he renovated schools, provided financial assistance to students, supplied learning materials, and supported infrastructural projects across the constituency — efforts that have since laid a strong foundation for educational growth and youth development in the area.
The event concluded with cheers and heartfelt applause as students received their cash support, marking not only a moment of financial relief but also a renewed sense of hope and confidence in leadership that values education, opportunity, and empowerment.
As one parent poignantly remarked on the sidelines, “When a leader invests in education, he invests in the soul of his people.”
— By Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow, Zaa Multimedia News Desk
